The hidden costs of cheap flowers

8 November 2023

Who hasn’t been tempted by cheap flowers? Supermarkets and online flower retailers lure us in with budget-friendly bouquets, but if you dig a little deeper, the value of these “bargains” becomes questionable. While the initial cost may seem appealing, you’re often sacrificing quality, freshness, and longevity. Cheap flowers are typically mass-produced, bought in bulk, and transported over long distances in refrigerated trucks, which impacts their overall quality and lifespan.


Buying flowers from a trusted Christchurch florist like Fleur by DK, however, ensures that you’re getting fresh, carefully selected blooms sourced from local markets and growers. Unlike mass-produced flowers, florist-bought blooms are handled with care and are intended to offer longer-lasting beauty and impact.


Signs of cheap flower quality

Cheap flowers may look attractive at first glance, but their flaws become apparent rather quickly. Here are some tell-tale signs of low-quality flowers:


1. Wilting or drooping stems

Cheap flowers often have weak or drooping stems that struggle to support the weight of the flower head. This drooping is a sign of poor hydration, structural weakness, or improper handling during transportation. These stems are often yellow or brown, lacking the vitality to stay upright in a vase.


In contrast, Fleur by DK’s florist-quality flowers have firm, green stems that are expertly cut and arranged to maximize hydration, longevity, and vibrancy. When you buy from a florist, you can trust that the flowers are crafted to maintain their structure and beauty.


A bunch of flowers on a table with one that says love

2. Crispy, discoloured petals

Cheap flowers often display signs of stress, such as crispy or discoloured petals, especially on delicate blooms like roses or lilies. These flowers may have endured rough handling, exposure to extreme temperatures, or inadequate watering, resulting in a tired, aged appearance.


Fleur by DK selects only the freshest, most vibrant blooms from local markets and growers. Each bouquet is closely monitored for freshness to ensure that every petal is smooth, bright, and evenly coloured. When you buy from a florist, you’re guaranteed flowers that look fresh and beautiful for much longer.


3. Lack of fragrance and scent

One of the most noticeable aspects of cheap flowers is their lack of fragrance. Commercially grown flowers are often selected for their visual appeal and longevity, not their scent. Growers frequently prioritise bloom size and disease resistance over fragrance, meaning that many supermarket flowers lack the characteristic scent we associate with fresh blooms.


At Fleur by DK, our florists believe that scent is an essential part of the floral experience. Our flowers are chosen for their fragrance as well as their beauty, creating a multi-sensory experience with every bouquet. When you step into our Christchurch store, you’re greeted by a rich tapestry of natural floral scents, a delight for the senses that online and supermarket flowers simply can’t replicate.


A bunch of flowers are wrapped in white paper

The true value of florist flowers: quality, freshness, and expertise

When you choose Fleur by DK, you’re not just buying flowers—you’re investing in quality, expertise, and a bouquet designed to last. Our flowers aren’t just fresh and vibrant; they’re hand-picked for their seasonality, sustainability, and beauty. Our creative team considers each bouquet a work of art, custom-crafted to suit your occasion, whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or simply a treat for yourself.


Each bouquet is thoughtfully arranged to ensure maximum longevity, with flowers that are conditioned to last longer than typical store-bought blooms. Our florists understand the intricate needs of each flower type and apply expert techniques to bring out the best in every arrangement.


Why choose Fleur by DK for your Flower needs?

Opting for flowers from a professional florist means enjoying blooms that are curated with care, handled with expertise, and crafted to last. Our flowers are sourced locally whenever possible, ensuring freshness and minimizing the environmental impact of transportation. Plus, our skilled florists create each arrangement to highlight the beauty of each bloom, creating an experience that supermarket flowers simply cannot match.


When you choose Fleur by DK in Christchurch, you’re guaranteed:


  • Long-lasting freshness: Our flowers are selected for their quality and conditioned to last.
  • Personalised design: Every arrangement is crafted with your preferences and style in mind.
  • Exceptional fragrance and beauty: Experience the rich, natural scent of fresh flowers as they were meant to be enjoyed.
  • Professional care and handling: Our florists apply expertise to maximize the beauty and longevity of every bloom.


Discover the difference with Fleur by DK in Christchurch

If you’re ready to experience the true value of florist-quality flowers, we invite you to visit our Merivale store in Christchurch. Let us help you select the perfect bouquet for any occasion, crafted with care, skill, and passion. At Fleur by DK, we’re proud to bring the best in fresh flowers, quality arrangements, and memorable experiences to every customer.


You’re not just buying a bunch of flowers; you’re investing in a product that brings lasting beauty, joy, and luxury to your life. Say goodbye to the hidden costs of cheap flowers and experience the difference that a professional Christchurch florist can make.


📍 Visit Us: 2A/186 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch
📞 Call: 03 355 0464
💻 Learn More or Order Online

Dried flower in a textured vase on a light wooden surface, against a two-toned gray and white backdrop.

Stem to vase: mastering the art of flower display with Fleur by DK

25 August 2025
Selecting the perfect vase for your flowers is an art that can dramatically transform your floral arrangements from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're displaying fresh blooms from your local florist Christchurch or creating stunning centrepieces for special occasions, the right vase choice enhances both the beauty and longevity of your fresh flowers. As award-winning florists, Fleur by DK have arranged thousands of bouquets for flower delivery in Christchurch , and we understand how the vessel you choose is just as important as the flowers themselves. Understanding vase fundamentals: shape, size, and function The foundation of exceptional flower arranging begins with understanding how different vase shapes serve specific purposes. There are multiple factors to consider when selecting vases for fresh flower arrangements, including stem length, flower type, arrangement style, and placement location. · Round vases represent the most versatile option in any florist's toolkit. Globe-shaped they feature wide bottoms that taper to slightly narrower openings, creating a natural support for flower stems while allowing for organic, flowing arrangements. The rounded shape encourages stems to spread naturally, creating a volume and movement that's beautifully effective for mixed bouquets and flower arrangements. · Tall, straight vases excel with long-stemmed flowers such as lilies, gladioli, and romantic roses. The vertical shape provides essential support for flowers with a good stem length while exploiting the dramatic height in your arrangements to create elegant proportions that draw the eye upward. · Small or bud vases serve multiple purposes, from showcasing single statement blooms to creating clustered arrangements with multiple small vessels. These compact vases are perfect for intimate table settings, or when you want to distribute floral beauty throughout multiple rooms. 
Woman receiving a bouquet of flowers at her front door. A delivery person smiles in the background.

Fleur by DK: changing the perceptions of flower gifting in Christchurch

4 August 2025
Flower giving has always held a special place in human culture, an age-old way to say, ‘I love you,’ flowers to say, ‘I’m sorry,’ or simply ‘I’m thinking of you.’ But as the world changes, so do gifting habits. Today, the act of giving flowers has expanded far beyond romance, branching into self-care, friendship, activism, and personal storytelling. At Fleur by DK, an award-winning boutique florist in Christchurch NZ, we’ve seen firsthand how attitudes towards floral gifting are evolving. And we’re embracing every beautiful shift. Whether you’re searching for wedding flowers Christchurch, thoughtful gifts for her Christchurch, or even a way to brighten a hospital room with flowers Christchurch hospital delivery, the reasons behind flower giving today are more diverse, and more meaningful, than ever before. 1. Exceedingly romantic, but flowers for every relationship Traditionally, flowers have been strongly linked to romantic gestures. But today, more people are embracing flowers as gifts for friends, colleagues, neighbours, and themselves. Sending a bouquet is no longer reserved for Valentine’s Day (although Valentine’s Day flowers Christchurch are still a top seller ); it’s about acknowledging meaningful relationships in all their forms. Think about a bright, cheerful posy sent to a friend who’s just landed a new job. Or a calming arrangement delivered to a family member recovering in hospital. Our same day flower delivery Christchurch service makes it easy to show you care, immediately (order flowers online for Christchurch) and sincerely. 2. Self-care, floral-style One of the most exciting trends we’ve seen as a Papanui Road florist Christchurch is the rise of flowers as self-care. Buying flowers for your own home is no longer considered indulgent, but an affordable luxury. Fresh flowers lift your mood, lower stress, and bring a sense of calm. Many clients come to our flower shop Christchurch not because they need a gift, but because they want to feel better. And they leave with a bunch of local tulips or delicately scented freesias in hand, and a visible lift in spirit. For those who can’t make it into our Merivale florist, check our wide selection of flowers online Christchurch ; treating yourself to a beautiful bouquet is as easy as clicking a button. 3. The social media influence Social media plays a massive role in modernising floral gifting reminding people that flowers aren’t just for milestones, they can celebrate everyday beauty. Instagram-worthy arrangements and Pinterest boards filled with dreamy petals have ignited people’s love and appreciation for the artistry behind floristry. Thanks to this visibility, florists are no longer seen simply as vendors of flower bouquets. Rather, at Fleur by DK Christchurch, we are celebrated for our creative designs with each bouquet a work of living art. 
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